Many people are surprised to learn that lottery jackpots are paid over 20 to 25 years and the IRS withholds 28 percent federal income tax from each check. If, for example, you win $1 million, most states pay you $50,000 a year for 20 years less 28 percent federal withholding tax, leaving you with $36,000 a year. You may also have to pay additional income taxes when you file your retum, depending on your overall financial situation. The problem is that the $36,000 you receive today will only buy an $11,225 lifestyle 20 years from now, when the checks stop. There are no cost-of-living increase provisions for lottery payouts.